Nothing says "I totally forgot to get you a hostess gift so I just stopped at the local store" like showing up to the party with a bottle of booze or an inedible yet festively packaged Panettone. You're just so busy... Right? Well, your lovely hostess has been busy as well - planning a party for the sorry likes of you. So, stop playing Candy Crush for ten minutes and buy her one of the thoughtful gifts below to ensure your name is on the short list for next year...
True Nature Botanicals Dead Sea Bath Salts
As your hostess hustles from room to room, agonizing over the red wine stains on her couch and dwindling vodka supply, the only thing keeping her from rocking in a corner is the warm bath she intends to take at the end of the night. You will officially be her favorite guest when you hand over the True Nature Botanicals Dead Sea Bath Salts in Tranquility. She will feel a total departure from reality when she breathes in chamomile, lavender, and star jasmine as her muscles release from the therapeutic salts. $48. Available at Tnbotanicals.com.
Cowshed Winter Candle
When it comes to holiday candles, the Cowshed Winter Candle basically drops the mic and walks away. From the chic purple glass holder to the aroma of nutmeg and cinnamon dancing with notes of mandarin, orange and clementine, this candle is the chic cousin to your classic holiday scented candle. $56. Available at Cowshed spas and Cowshed.com.
Tarte Dressed to the Nines LipSurgence Lip Crème Gift Set
I challenge you to give this entire box of Tarte Dressed to the Nines LipSurgence Lip Crème Gift Set to your hostess without taking a few for yourself. Since these ultra-flattering, magical little lip crèmes come in three to a box, perhaps your hostess wouldn't notice if you swipe one or three? Perfectly sized for stashing in evening bags and pockets, your hostess will officially be that friend you ask to borrow lipstick every time you hit the town. $34. Available at tartecosmetics.com and Macys.com.
Clos du Bois Fête in a Box by Jung Lee
For the perennial hostess, who is known to throw a soiree to celebrate anything from Arbor Day to a viewing party for the People's Choice Awards - make sure she is prepared for her next spontaneous get-together with the Clos du Bois Fête in a Box. Curated by celebrity event designer Jung Lee, the kit includes everything from a gold wine key, wine glass tags, snacks and ceramic snack dishes to thank you cards, playing cards, and decorations, and of course a bottle of Clos du Bois wine. $89. ClosduBois.com
Josie Maran Whimsical Wonder Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter Trio
Your hostess will praise your name every time she gets out of the shower and makes the tough decision of whether to slather her body in the scent of Vanilla Apricot, Sweet Citrus, or Vanilla Bean from the The Josie Maran Whimsical Wonder Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter Trio. These non-toxic body butters nourish the skin, replenishing essential fatty acids, and of course will leave your hostess smelling sweet for months to come. $25. Available at Sephora.com.